Astrology GIFs for the Week of March 28, 2016

The real MVP (most valuable planet) following last week’s lunar eclipse is lightning-fast Mercury — there’s a hookup by conjunction between the enlightened sun and perceptive Mercury. The astro-fancy-pants term for this is a superior conjunction. You could consider this a full moon for Mercury; it’s time to manifest some of the ideas or notions that you kicked about in January when I wrote about the inferior conjunction or “new moon” phase for Mercury back then.

Now that Mercury’s matured, so to speak, we’re on our way to calmer and more objective minds prevailing in heated situations. However, that doesn’t mean that we won’t have to hear about folks getting hot under the collar every now and again.

On Wednesday, eloquent Mercury feels a squeeze from willful Pluto and, in turn, you might attempt to pressure others into seeing things your way or vice-versa. We can honor persuasiveness without the pressure. Allow someone to gracefully bow out when it’s clear you can’t reach an agreement, and remember to be graceful when you need to step away from someone’s hard pitch.

Fortunately, on Thursday, Mercury joins with maverick Uranus to burn a torch with hotter ideas and opportunities. This might also prompt the weekend to overflow with more digital messages and news alerts than usual. Depending on your preference, Mercury’s antics make it perfect timing for April Fool’s tricks, too.

The planetary weather report: Use these guidelines to unlock the stars, not to be locked down by them.

Fortunately, the nippiness of a waning, last-quarter moon helps us keep our collective cool. The downside is that there might be a lot more talk than action, which could put a damper on having this spring weekend feel like we’re all sprung. With Mercury’s arms flailing all over the place, it might be good that our roll into the season slows a little.

Read on for your sign’s Sky Code.

Aries (March 21 to April 19)

Your first impulse might be to fire off sarcasm and incredulity at even the most innocuous questions. Unfortunately, you’re also likely to misfire, because you’re not looking beneath the surface. I know you might not normally have patience to go rummaging into the poorly lit regions of what people “might” want (but can’t say plainly) or say clearly (but sounds too silly or stupid to be true); try to follow through with curiosity, though, because you might discover gateways to fresh insight and knowledge that you’d otherwise miss.

Taurus (April 20 to May 21)

Although others might feel the buzz of spring, you have a harder time showing the same excitement. Of course, the key words are showing it, because, no doubt, you do feel a little of it and want to feel more. Perhaps you feel the drag of Old Man Winter because you haven’t had enough “me time,” or you’re finding it hard to let some recent event (or person) go. Break the obsessive loop by talking it out with a friend or hashing it out with the person or issue in question.

Gemini (May 21 to June 20)

Insecurity can make people do stupid shit. Perhaps we’re most insecure when the fear of losing looms larger in our minds than the joy of winning. That’s a fundamental lack of faith in the future — and yourself. Please don’t sell yourself short now. There are more people willing to be there with and for you than you realize — even more than the people who want to ruin your good fortune. However, that doesn’t mean anything if you don’t believe it. Start there.

Cancer (June 21 to July 21)

Ask the hard questions, Cancer, and don’t be scared to dig to find the answers you know are there. You’re bound to retrieve the feeling of being lit up with ideas and options that you had some weeks back. Some folks might try to simmer you down, but those are probably folks too afraid of their fire to have any appreciation for yours. Don’t waste that energy on seeking the approval and sanction of people settling for mediocrity. You have too much excellent work to do.

Leo (July 22 to August 21)

You need fresh perspectives; you’re fed up with feeling stalled. Set your sights on higher ground and wider vistas, whether that means actually making plans to travel somewhere exotic soon or clicking amazon.com to order a new book to devour. Don’t worry that you’re blowing off important work to be done, because you’re resetting your overall big picture — as in, why you’re doing any of what you’re doing in the first place. The winds of change will indeed blow your way soon enough. This is your prep course.

Virgo (August 22 to September 21)

Since this week’s Most Valuable Planet is in charge of your sign, this is an important week for you. Just as you have to be a wise steward of your money, you also have to be an excellent advocate for your talents and abilities. Although you would rather leave such “gross” proclamations to Leos or other fire signs (who seem to blow too hard and play too much), you should tear a page or two from their playbook. It might scare the shit out of you, but step out on a limb and let your boss, client, or colleague know about something awesome you’re doing.

Libra (September 22 to October 21)

Although you normally love to give to others, you could find it hard to pry yourself away from your own projects and interests to lend a helping hand, eye, or ear. In order to be fair to yourself and others, you’ll have to prioritize how you allocate your energy and time. The simplest place to start is to say “no” at least as often as you’re inclined to say “yes.” It might be a little hard at first, but you’ll feel better as you have more time to pursue what you want and meet the growing demands of others who want your attention.

Scorpio (October 22 to November 21)

Your office or worksite is only as magical as you make it. Before you start cursing the idea of enchanting your work place as bullshit, understand I’m not talking about the wonders of Harry Potter pouring out of your desk drawer. Think more that you’re using the spice of your imagination to jazz up routines and processes that have become too humdrum or flat. Put spring in your work by doing something unusual or conducting some research to discover a new angle.

Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21)

The week starts with the moon in your sign, so you’re gonna be feeling yourself. That’s fine, as long as you stay in your flow and don’t get sidelined by musing so much about your awesomeness that you end up not doing a damn thing. Dive into the tasks that feed your soul. Then, as the week progresses, you can add more to your plate. Toward the weekend, it’ll become clear what you need to put aside and what’s not nurturing your passions. There’s nothing worse than having too much on your metaphorical plate and still feeling hungry.

Capricorn (December 22 to January 20)

Although your sign is frequently known for having a natural aura of mastery, your efforts at something new or unfamiliar might feel pathetic. First, commend yourself for your willingness to keep evolving by stretching and not only picking low-hanging fruit. Next, don’t bite into the sour apples thrown your way by haters who are too critical or impatient with your tentative steps. Fear can make cowards of all of us sometimes. It’s their turn, and it’s not your responsibility to worry if they will outgrow their fear. You’re surpassing your own and that’s all that matters.

Aquarius (January 21 to February 18)

You’re quick generally, but you’re probably on fire this week. However, be selective when you set your focus: Either you can light folks up with insight and passion, or you can burn them to a crisp. No one can inveigh against wrongs in our world like you — the wisdom lies in finding the right “wrong” thing. Someone being passed over for an obvious promotion, whether that’s you or not, could be a good wrong to correct. Savaging a friend for being five minutes late when nobody’s life or ultimate happiness rides on that? Not so much.

Pisces (February 19 to March 20)

Lightening your load of responsibilities will allow you to see how to ramp up your fun and your funds. Starving while juggling a bunch of plates doesn’t make you noble or dexterous; it just makes you feel exhausted and look foolish. You do like the idea of staying busy most days, but it’s all in how you shape that busyness. How you communicate your intentions is also important. That starts with plain talk (without complicated, emotionally laden nuances and triple-entendres). You can focus instead on what immediately makes you feel light, rather than trying to fulfill someone else’s notion of “responsible.”